Short answer
Bamboo grows naturally in tropical, subtropical and warm temperate regions around the world, and some species also grow in cold mountain areas. In a garden, whether it will grow for you depends mainly on your winter minimum temperature (your hardiness zone), the amount of sun, and soil that is moist but well drained.
Where bamboo grows naturally
Bamboo is native to parts of Asia, Africa, Central and South America, Australia and the Pacific, and the southeastern United States, where river cane (Arundinaria) is native. Asia has the greatest diversity. Bamboo is generally not considered native to Europe or Antarctica, although it is grown in gardens and parks in many countries.
There are well over a thousand species. This range explains why advice differs so much: a tropical clumper and a cold-hardy mountain bamboo have very different needs.
Climate and hardiness zones in a garden
Hardiness zones are based on average annual minimum winter temperatures, so they predict the coldest conditions a plant must tolerate. Match the plant’s rating to your zone, and treat the margin as a safety buffer.
As a very rough guide from nursery information:
- Cold-hardy clumping bamboos (mostly Fargesia) are sold for roughly zone 5 and up in many cases. They often prefer cool summers and afternoon shade.
- Hardy running bamboos (Phyllostachys and others) cover a wide range, and several tolerate quite cold winters.
- Tropical clumping bamboos (Bambusa and similar) need mild winters. Some nurseries say they grow well only in about zone 9 and warmer, and some selected types are sold for zone 7b or 8 with winter dieback.
- Groundcover bamboos may die back to the ground in cold zones and shoot again in spring.
A few extra points:
- Container bamboo is less hardy. A bamboo hardy to 0°F in the ground may be damaged at around 10°F in a pot, because roots are more exposed. Larger pots help.
- Local clues help. If a bamboo is growing well in a neighbour’s garden, it is a good sign for your site.
- Cold plus wind is harder than cold alone, since evergreen leaves lose moisture in drying winter wind.
For specifics on species in colder zones, see cold-hardy bamboo varieties for zones 5 to 7.
Sun, soil and water
- Sun: Most larger bamboos do best with several hours of direct sun, with a commonly quoted figure of about five hours or more. Many smaller and Fargesia types prefer partial shade.
- Soil: Loose, loamy, moisture-retentive soil that is slightly acidic to neutral suits most. Bamboo tolerates clay better than sand if drainage is acceptable.
- Water: It likes regular moisture. New plants need a lot, and established plants tolerate dry spells better but look best with water.
- Drainage: It does not like standing water. Most species struggle in permanently saturated soil. A few species with air channels in their rhizomes tolerate seasonal wet ground, but that is the exception.
Places bamboo struggles
- Bogs and waterlogged ground. For those spots, see ornamental grasses and rushes for pond edges.
- Very exposed, windy sites, especially for young plants.
- Hot, humid sites for cold-hardy clumpers. Many Fargesia decline in hot summers and humid climates.
- Deep shade for sun-loving types. Growth and spread slow down.
- Indoors, for most species. Dry indoor air is hard for bamboo, and only a few tolerate it.
- Very compacted or poor soil. Bamboo may survive but stay small.
If your zone is cold or hot
Cold: choose a hardy clumper or a cold-hardy runner (with containment), mulch heavily, plant early enough for roots to settle before winter, and consider a pot you can move to shelter. A sheltered spot against a wall can help.
Hot and dry: plant in spring or fall rather than midsummer, mulch well, water deeply and consider afternoon shade for sensitive types. Some running species handle dry climates better than others. For very dry gardens, drought-tolerant ornamental grasses are often an easier fit.
For care once it is in the ground, see growing bamboo in your yard. To understand how spread depends on type, see running vs clumping bamboo.